Odd Fodder

Even though its name may suggest something low key and quiet, Frankie's Inner City Lounge is anything but sedate. This is one of Toledo's premier nightlife venues for new and alternative rock and features a powerful combination of live bands and DJs every night of the week. The mood changes from night to night depending on what band or musical theme is on the menu, ranging from guitar bands on Tuesdays, open mic night on Wednesdays and industrial and Gothic music on Fridays. A cool, happening and loud place, Frankie's is not for the fainthearted.

Kids love to scribble and draw. If your little ones have an artistic inclination, then foster that talent and maybe even inspire them with a visit to the Toledo Museum of Art. This impressive attraction features art that spans the historical sweep from the ancient to the modern. Many pieces are presented in various media that include pottery, sculpture and photography. There is also a fascinating section of exhibits that spotlight historical furniture and other artifacts.

Toledo's Libbey Glass Factory Outlet Store is known by many as "The Glass Capital of the World." When you walk into this stunning compendium of glass, you will be able to get a brief history of the company that was founded in 1870 by William L. Libbey who developed the first glass-making machine. Today, this company is the leading producer of glass tableware and ceramic dinnerware for the North American food service industry, as well as exporting glass to over 100 countries. In addition to offering an incredible number of items for sale, there are historically significant displays and even tours available upon request.

The Toledo Botanical Garden is a benchmark against which similar gardens are measured throughout the country, and with good reason. This is considered to be one of the pioneering gardens because of its dramatically beautiful visual and natural presentation. Fragrant meadows of sunflowers and wildflowers, rose gardens, herb gardens and sharply manicured walkways make spending time here something special for the entire family. Also, the kids will especially love visiting the recreated pioneer garden which many consider to be one of the site's main attractions.